Senior Automation Specialist

NES Fircroft; Calgary; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft seeks a Senior Automation Specialist based in Calgary to lead design, configuration, and implementation of control systems for the Demonstration Program and Clearwater Project in Central Alberta.

The role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of gathering and processing facilities, setting a long-term automation strategy and collaborating with Calgary teams. Strong experience with FATs/SATs and commissioning is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 15+ years' experience in industrial automation in oil & gas or refining.
• P.Eng. or P.Tech. is an asset.
• Experience leading FATs, SATs and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop control philosophies, system architectures, and functional specifications for DCS/PLC/SCADA.
• Oversee configuration of control systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Collaborate with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers to define instrumentation and control strategies.
• Develop control narratives, cause-and-effect diagrams, alarm rationalization, and instrument datasheets.
• Interface with vendors and external firms for control system supply and integration.
• Ensure compliance with standards and cybersecurity best practices.
• Coordinate FATs, SATs, loop checks, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot control/instrumentation issues during commissioning and early ops; support optimization.

Skills

Electrical engineering fundamentals

DCS/PLC/SCADA systems

Instrumentation control

HMI configuration

Industrial cybersecurity awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC platforms

HMIs

Industrial networks

Job description

Senior Automation Specialist

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a full-time Senior Automation Specialist to lead the design, configuration, and implementation of control systems for the Demonstration Program as well as the Clearwater Project in Central Alberta.

This role ensures that automation systems effectively support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of both the gathering system and processing facility. Working closely with teams based in Calgary, the Senior Automation Specialist will set a long-term automation strategy for the organization.

The process involves operation of electric submersible pumps, two-phase separation, gas compression, lithium extraction, water treatment, utilities, and packaging systems. The successful candidate will understand the need for optimization and drive a control system architecture that supports a highly integrated process.

About Our Client Our client is pioneering a new industry and redefining what is possible as it deploys local know-how to bring lithium into Alberta's value chain. This is innovation at scale, driven by bold ideas, cutting-edge technology, and a team that thrives on solving tough challenges.

Joining the organization means more than just building a career; it is joining an ambitious team that collaborates naturally and is committed to building a new industry within Canada. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a company on the rise in one of the most crucial industries of our time. The organization supports growth and curiosity, celebrates balance, and provides the space to achieve big things.

Based in Calgary, recognized as one of North America's most livable cities, employees will find themselves working at the intersection of innovation, impact, and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Develop control philosophies, system architectures, and functional specifications for DCS/PLC/SCADA systems across the facility and gathering system.
• Oversee the configuration of control systems, HMIs, and industrial networks to meet process and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers to define instrumentation and control strategies, and interlocks.
• Develop and review control narratives, cause-and-effect diagrams, alarm rationalization, and instrument datasheets.
• Interface with automation vendors and external engineering firms responsible for control system supply and integration.
• Ensure control systems comply with relevant standards and cybersecurity best practices.
• Coordinate and support FATs, SATs, loop checks, and commissioning activities for control systems.
• Troubleshoot control and instrumentation issues during commissioning and early operations; support optimization of control strategies.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience working with industrial automation and control systems in the oil & gas or refining industries.
• Registered as a P.Eng. or P.Tech. is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience leading FATs, SATs, and commissioning activities, with a strong focus on closing deficiencies quickly and effectively.
• Hands-on experience with configuration and field commissioning of major DCS/PLC platforms, HMIs, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience implementing control systems for water treatment, chemical, or oil & gas facilities.
• Familiarity with process safety, safety instrumented systems, and functional safety standards.
• Strong understanding of process control philosophies and process hazard analysis.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.